News Around the Parish
The Gift of Sight – This is one of those gifts that we can easily take for granted. In today’s gospel, Jesus asked a blind man what he wanted as he called out to Him. The blind man responded saying that he wanted to see. And Jesus restored his sight. Last year, another young man who was losing his sight asked to see. He was a young man that San Dimas’ ministry had visited while he was in Juvenile Hall. He grew up in the Mission and was part of a gang. After his release, he wanted to leave that life and San Dimas continued to stay in touch with him, helping him to make good choices. He married and together they have a child but he started to lose his sight. Doctors said he needed surgery in both eyes to restore his sight. But he had no health insurance. San Dimas did some fundraising and together with a $ 10,000 gift from the Mother’s Club and $ 6,000 from the parish, we contributed to his surgery. To date, he had surgery on one eye and it went well. At our last San Dimas monthly meeting, he attended with his wife and child and expressed his gratitude to all of us who were so generous to him. And he also encouraged us to speak boldly to the youth in Juvenile Hall, that there is life beyond the “barrios” neighborhoods. There is so much more than simply fighting over turf. If you are interested in this ministry, let me know. San Dimas (SD) is an
interfaith ministry. Aside from Juvenile Hall here in San Francisco, SD members also visit the youth in San Leandro and San Mateo Juvenile Hall and in the San Bruno Jail for Men.
Faith Sharing Book Club – 25 parishioners signed up for the Book Club and we began meeting last week, using Christine Watkins’ book, “Full of Grace.” I want to thank the Year of Faith Committee members for suggesting this. Eileen Miller, Lou Scheerer and Zdenka Bodisco helped coordinate this and are serving as facilitators. In addition, the priests and sisters of this parish are also enjoying the small faith sharing groups. If you’d like to join us, you can drop-in at the Convent’s conference room (234 Ulloa Street) in any of the following sessions:
Thursday morning, 9:30-11:00 am (10/25, 11/1, 8 & 15) – Facilitated by Eileen Miller with Sr. Catherine joining in.
Thursday, 7:30-9:00 pm (10/25, 11/1, 8 & 15) – Facilitated by Zdenka Bodisco with
Fr. Dan and Sr. Sharon joining in.
Saturday, 10 - 11:30 am (10/20, 11/3, 10 & 17) - Facilitated by Lou Scheerer with
Fr. Mike and Sr. Herminia joining in.
Peace,
Fr. Dan